From Berlingske Tidende

From Berlingske Tidende, August 20th 2002

Amdi maybe to Denmark today

After half a year in American jails Mogens Amdi Petersen, charged with deceit, is on his way to Denmark. According to his Danish lawyer Anders Boelskifte he will today or wednesday get on a plane to Denmark, escorted by two Danish policemen.

The Tvind-leader decided himself that after his arrest on the 16th of February he now wants to be extradited from the United States. What should have been a court case monday in Los Angeles District Court fighting a extradition request, ended up in a meeting in the judges buro about the conditions for an extradition. The negociations ended with Amdi Petersen agreeing to be extradited, but the final decision about the extradition should be taken on tuesday.

While Mogens Amdi Petersen himself looked reliefed about his stay in Amerika to be ended soon, his star-lawyer Robert Shapiro didnt try to hide the fact that he very much disagrees wit the Tvind-leader. Im disappointed that he is going to let himself extradite, and this is happening against my will. I know more about this case than anybody else, and Im convinced that mr. Petersen is innocent. If we had had the time, we would have proved that fully, Shapiro said.

Mr. Petersen wants to go home, and he doesnt want to win through technical-juridical matters, Shapiro continued. He then praised Tvind and said it fulfilled the biggest humanitarian dedication in the world.

When Mogens Amdi Petersen is coming to Denmark, he will have a apprehencive interrogation, where his lawyer Anders Boelskifte will demand Peteresens release. The fact that he decided to come home, doesnt mean that he pleads himself guilty. On the contrary, he pleads himself innocent about the charges against him, says Boelskifte.

Mogens Amdi Petersen together with his partner Kirsten Larsen and five other Tvind-leaders is being charged with tax-evasion up to 75 million Danish kroners.